Thread: Beginner's question

What makes it necessary for the scales to be done on an old razor?
i have an old w&b medium hollow. Want to hone and use, eventually polish, but wasn't sure if I could just keep the scales. I did read somewhere that sanding the wood can be dangerous without a mask due to fungus spores, but shaving is fine right?

If they scales protect the razor they are serving their purpose.
You can try cleaning them up the best you can for now with the razor intact by using a toothbrush or just a cloth. Wear a mask if you are going to sand, anything, ever. Just safer. If you want new scales you can find a mentor near you for help or send the razor out.

Shaving should not be an issue with old scales.

Awesome! Thank you for the quick reply! And that's an awesome Akita!

By "need to be done" I assume you mean replaced or renovated, in my opinion if the scales are intact and don't hit the blade when closing you don't really need to do anything.
Even minor damage if it doesn't affect the function shouldn't be a problem unless it will potentially damage the blade.

Appreciate it! Ya the scales are intact and set well without the blade touching when it closes. I'm gonna attempt to hone it this weekend then. I'll have to post a picture when I get a chance.

Originally Posted by mmoya

Appreciate it! Ya the scales are intact and set well without the blade touching when it closes. I'm gonna attempt to hone it this weekend then. I'll have to post a picture when I get a chance.

Do you have a proper shave ready razor? If your experience is equal to your join date it may be difficult to learn to get a shave ready razor. It can be done but is better if left until your shaving technique is established.

I do! Ya I'm new and inexperienced. I'm gonna give the honing a go though. I have a Norton 1k with 4/8 set (beginners set). I've looked at some videos with lynn and gssixgun. We will see how it goes!

Originally Posted by mmoya

I do! Ya I'm new and inexperienced. I have a Norton 1k with 4/8 set (beginners set)

I wasn't going to chime in until I saw the above quote. THere is no such thing as a beginner's set. 1k, 4k, 8k, have been the standard for many, many years. AND if you do your research on honing and shaving and find the shaving challenge of hone at 1k, stropping sequence and hen shave and repeat for the 4k and 8k stones you will find the edge that people have shaved with for more years than you could ever imagine. ALl that is happening above the 8k level is further refinement of a smoothness that has nothing to do with the shave-ability of an edge.

Slow down, learn to get a decent, repetitive quality shave before even thinking of honing, or even refreshing your edge. Till then make sure your razors are pro honed so as to have a benchmark when you do get to hone your own. And don't start honing till you have had a chance to sit down with a Mentor or Senior Member that has several tears experience honing. All the videos in the world cannot compete with a one-on-one session.

thebigspendur, SRP Senior Moderator lives in New Mexico. Your best route is to PM him and see if you can set up a meeting to first get good shaving going and eventually honing.

Thanks! I did PM and meet him. Great guy! Sat down and chatted about the very razor in question. That's the reason I joined SRP. We will see how it goes.Thanks for the follow up though!

Also, my bad for calling it a beginners set. You are right. Sorry if it offended.